The Planet Money Indicator podcast explores essential economic indicators to keep an eye on for 2025. Adrian Ma emphasizes the importance of tracking inflation expectations, which can reveal consumer behavior and potential inflation trends. Jeff Guo discusses the concept of “the star,” or the ideal long-term interest rate, pointing out that its unpredictability mirrors our post-pandemic economy. Meanwhile, Kenny Malone stresses the significance of global trade as a key indicator, especially in light of possible new tariffs that could impact the economy like the Smoot-Hawley Act did in the 1930s. Together, these indicators provide valuable insights into the economic landscape for the upcoming year.
